Media channel for a laboratory device

ABSTRACT

Media channel ( 1 ) for a laboratory system, more particularly a media cell, media column, suspended media boom or media station, for supplying a laboratory workplace with and/or removing laboratory media comprising a longitudinal profile element ( 100 ) which along its longitudinal axis defines a duct ( 102, 104 ) for laboratory cables and pipelines and has a supply and/or removal side and at least one panel ( 2, 2   a,    2   b ), which is in the form of a blank panel or is equipped with at least one function-specific fitting for laboratory media supply and/or removal, whereby the panel ( 2, 2   a,    2   b ) is detachably connected to the profile element ( 100 ) by means of connection elements ( 121, 125 ) provided on the supply and/or removal side of the profile element ( 100 ), and whereby the profile element ( 100 ) and the connection elements ( 121, 125 ) are in one piece in the form of a folded metal component.

The invention relates to a media channel for a laboratory system, moreparticularly a media cell, media column, suspended media boom or mediastation for supplying a laboratory workplace with and/or removinglaboratory media.

The flexibility and mobility of laboratory systems in a laboratoryensure that laboratory media, such as water, waste water, gas,compressed air, connections for generating a vacuum and for electricalpower are available where they are needed. For this purpose media cells,media columns, suspended media booms have so-called media channels, inwhich there are supply and removal pipelines for the laboratory mediaconnected to supply and disposal facilities in the building.

A media cell can be in the form of a cell against a wall with alaboratory workbench in front, a free-standing cell for a laboratoryworkbench or double workbench, or in the form of table-top cells. Themedia cell provides media-specifically designed fittings and sockets andis used for various storage systems. The media cell can have a number ofmedia panels with various components from which the laboratory media aretaken, but via which they are also removed to disposal facilitiesinstalled in the building.

In a media column suspended from a laboratory ceiling the media channelruns vertically through the media column.

A suspended media boom has several raster cells, which like the mediacolumn can be equipped on both sides with appropriate media panels. Themedia panels run horizontally and usually extend over several, mainlymobile laboratory workbenches.

In specialist circles a media station is seen as a system for supplyingand removing media directly which is attached to the laboratoryworkplace and which is connected by cables and pipelines tocorresponding supply and disposal systems installed in the building.

In all these laboratory systems the modular structure plays a major partas significant cost saving can already be made at the planning stage ofa laboratory.

Conventional media channels for use in the above laboratory systems, asdisclosed, for example in EP 0 800 865 A2 and DE 196 14 370 C1 areproduced by way of side frames arranged at a distance from each other,which depending on the height of the laboratory system are connected toeach other by one or more crossbeams. On the crossbeams there areclamping devices into which raised flanges of the relevant media panelscan be clamped. The media removal and supply cables and pipelines runvertically through openings provided in the crossbeams or horizontallybetween adjacent crossbeams.

A disadvantage of this is the relatively small depth of the mediachannels which is uniform over the entire media cell, media column,suspended media boom or media station, as a result of which electricalconnections in particular, which compared with gas fitting for example,require a relatively large structural depth, project out of the mediachannels and/or media panels over a certain length. Furthermore theupgrading of conventional media channels with additional components,such as device holders, supports for reagents, stand holders etc isrestricted. In addition, one and the same media channel cannot be usedfor different laboratory systems as the structural requirements of mediachannels differ from those of suspended media booms, which results ingreater planning, manufacturing and assembly costs.

DE 101 54 128 A1 discloses a media cell for a laboratory having awall-shaped, vertically aligned installation element, which above theheight the worktop of a laboratory bench is equipped with installationpipelines and distributor connections. The installation pipelines anddistributor connections are arranged within the contour of the sideframes, on the narrow side of which facing the worktop, there areclosing sections and/or panels. In this media cell stationary andpivoting panels are arranged alternately and attached to the side frameswith screws.

From DE 37 39 815 A1 a duct board with an essentially box-shaped duct isknown. The duct has nodal points from which several sections extend indifferent directions.

Other media channels of this type are described in U.S. Pat. No.5,212,915 A and U.S. Pat. No. 4,544,214 A.

It is therefore the aim of this invention to provide a media channel fora laboratory system, the modular structure of which is improved in termsof handling, variability, upgradability and cost-efficiency comparedwith conventional media channels and which is suitable for massproduction.

This is achieved through a media channel for a laboratory system, moreparticularly a media cell, media column, suspended media boom or mediastation for supplying a laboratory workplace with laboratory mediaand/or removing them, which has a longitudinally arranged profileelement, which defines an duct for laboratory media cable and pipelinesalong its longitudinal axis, and a supply and/or removal side as well asat least one panel in the form of a blank panel or one equipped with atleast one function-specific fitting for laboratory media supply/removal,whereby the panel is detachably fastened to the profile element by meansof connection elements provided on the supply and/or removal side, withthe profile element and the connection elements being configured in onepiece and as a folded metal component.

The profile element of the media channel in accordance with theinvention fulfils two functions. On the one hand it provides a duct forthe laboratory media. The structural space which in conventional mediachannels is taken up by the crossbeams is therefore available in fullfor the supply and removal of media, which is advantageous in terms ofthe achieved space saving. On the other hand it already has theconnection element necessary for fastening the media panels. In additionit can also be manufactured cost-effectively and simply assembled in thelaboratory as it is folded from metal and the connection elements forthe media panels are already part of the profile element. The mediachannel can be used for various laboratory systems which results in aconsiderable reduction in the manufacturing and assembly costs.

Preferably the connection elements provide a non-positive connection,particularly preferably a clamp fastening or a positive connection,particularly preferably a snap-type or swallowtail-type fastening of thepanel on the profile element.

Preferably the connection elements are resilient.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention theconnection elements essentially extend over the entire length of theprofile element.

In accordance with a further preferred embodiment of the invention theprofile has an external rail defined by undercuts as a result of whichthe upgrading of the media channel with additional component isimproved.

Preferably the rail extends essentially over the entire length of theprofile element.

Preferably the profile element defines two longitudinally extendingducts.

Particularly preferably the profile element tapers in cross-section.This results in more space in places within the media channel which isparticularly advantageous in the case of electrical connections. At thesame time, when using a media channel of this type for a laboratoryworkbench the use of the entire worktop is not restricted.

In addition, on the broader side of the profile element seen incross-section a storage panel can be applied by means of non-positivefastening. This storage panel can be used as a storage surface forvarious laboratory equipment, which again increases the versatility ofthe media channel.

Preferably a number of panels can be fastened in modular fashion to theprofile element. This modular assembly principle allow the mediachannels to be fitted with panels required by the user, which isadvantageous for conducting various tests in which different laboratorymedia are used in one and the same laboratory system.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention the panelscan be attached to the profile element without a gap. This prevents thepenetration of fluids and foreign bodies into the media channel.

More particularly, the panels can be provided with devices for thesupply and/or removal of water, waste water, gas, compressed air,electricity, light as well as with connections for generating a vacuumand for electronic dataprocessing.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention the mediachannel comprises a support structure which allows the profile elementto be fastened to a wall or ceiling or can be fitted on both sides witha profile element. In this way almost identically designed mediachannels can be used in media cells, media columns, suspended mediabooms or media stations, which for the builder of a laboratory as wellas the manufacturer of laboratory equipment is advantageous in economicterms.

Preferably the support structure allows raster-like attachment of theprofile element to the support structure. This means the laboratorypersonnel can move the media channel horizontally and/or vertically asrequired and the media channel and/or the media fittings are availablein the laboratory at the place they are needed.

Also preferably there are openings between the profile element and thesupport structure through which the supply and/or removal cables andpipelines for the laboratory media can pass and through which, inparticular in the case of electrical connections which require a greaterinstallation depth, the hollow space of the support structure isavailable for the electrical connection cables.

Preferably the media channel meets the requirements of protectiveclasses IP 44 and IP 54 valid on the day of application. In this way theoperation of the media channel is guaranteed against the penetration ofmoisture and dust (foreign bodies) for many years. More particularly themedia channel guarantees contact protection against foreign bodies witha diameter of >1 mm as well as full protection against dust deposits. Inaddition, it also guarantees adequate protection against spray water.

Various forms of embodiment of the invention are described below purelyas examples with reference to the attached drawings.

FIG. 1 shows a perspective external view of a media channel inaccordance with the invention.

FIG. 2 shows a support structure for fastening to a room ceiling fittedwith a media channel on both sides (suspended media boom).

FIG. 3 shows a support structure fitted with a media channel on bothsides for a double laboratory workbench (media cells).

FIG. 4 shows two media cells attached to a support structure forfastening to a ceiling or wall (media column).

FIG. 5 shows a perspective rear view of a media channel with a supportstructure for wall fastening.

FIG. 6A shows a perspective front view of a profile element including anenlarged view of one area of the profile element.

FIG. 6B shows a perspective rear view of the profile element shown inFIG. 6A including an enlarged view of one area of the profile element.

FIG. 7 shows a perspective front view of a panel.

FIG. 8 shows a cross-sectional view of a storage panel.

FIG. 9 shows a cross-sectional view of a media channel with a supportstructure, water tap and sink.

FIG. 10 shows a cross-sectional view of a media channel with anelectrical connection.

FIG. 11 shows a perspective view of a media channel with a subsequentlyfitted pipette holder.

FIG. 12 shows a perspective view of a media channel with a subsequentlyfitted storage surface.

FIG. 13 shows a perspective view of a media channel with a subsequentlyfitted drip board.

FIG. 14 shows a perspective view of a media channel with a subsequentlymounted monitor.

FIG. 15 show a cross-sectional view of a section of a media channel inthe area of the function rail with subsequently mounted splashprotection and

FIG. 16 shows a perspective view of the clamping device shown in FIG.15.

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a media channel 1 in accordance withthe invention with modularly attached panels (2) on the media supplyand/or removal side. Depending on its purpose of use, for example inmedia cells, media columns, suspended media booms or media stations, themedia channel can be arranged vertically or horizontally. If thebuilding's laboratory media cables and pipelines enter the media channel1 from above or below, the lateral ends of the media panel 1 are closedwith a side panel 9. A further panel 6 is applied at the top of themedia channel which in the event of the media channel 1 being used in amedia cell serves as a storage surface for laboratory instruments.

The media channels 1 described below meet the requirements of protectiveclasses IP 44 and IP 54 valid on the date of application. In addition,the externally visible and/or exposed components of the media channelare preferably provided with a high-quality powder coating through whichthe media channel is ideally protected against the environmentalconditions in the laboratory room. The panels are attached without toolsso that they can be rapidly and easily adjusted to changing laboratoryconditions.

Examples of embodiment of the media channel shown in FIG. 1 aredescribed below by way of FIG. 2, FIG. 3 and FIG. 4.

FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of a suspended media boom which has asupport structure 20 for attaching to a ceiling. The support structure20 has two raster-like support columns 22, which depending on the lengthof the support columns 22 are stabilized by means of one or morecrossbeams 26. The lower end of the support column 22 is fitted with amedia channel 1 on both sides.

In the example shown in a very simplified form in FIG. 2 the two mediachannels 1 are only provided with blank panels. Due to the taperedcross-section of both media channels 1 the panel are arranged at anincline with regard the vertically support columns 22, which in theevent of equipping the panels with devices for tapping laboratory media,for example, water, waste water, gas, compressed air, electricity lightor with connections for generating a vacuum and for electronicdataprocessing makes handling easier. If required further, thoughdifferently dimensioned, media channels 1 can be attached to the supportprojection 24. In the example shown in FIG. 2 the lateral supportprojections 24 are connected to a storage compartment 29. The mediasupply from the building to the media channels 1 takes place through thevertical shaft 28.

FIG. 3 shows a very simplified form of a media cell which comprises adouble laboratory workbench. Both laboratory workbenches 30 each have alaboratory worktop 32 which adjoin each other without a gap in the areaof the support structure 20 a for the media channel 1. The supportstructure 20 a has two side supports 22 a at a distance from one otheressentially corresponding with the width of the laboratory worktops 32which stand on the floor of the laboratory in a levelling manner. Thelength of the side stands 22 a is such that the media channel 1 runningbetween the side supports 22 a at the top is arranged approximately atthe chest height of the laboratory personnel. However the raster-likedesign of the side supports 22 a allows variable setting of the heightof the media channels 1. In the case of the media cell shown in FIG. 3the supply and removal of laboratory media from and to the buildingtakes place via shaft 28 a. Even without explicitly being shown in FIG.3, a person skilled in the art will recognize that the media cell can besupplemented with other media channels and/or other laboratoryfurniture.

FIG. 4 shows a double-sided media column which can be attached to theceiling or a section of the building projecting from the ceiling bymeans of a support structure 20 b. In the example of a media columnshown in a very simplified form in FIG. 4 the support structure 20 b hasa horizontal rail support 23 a to which to lateral support columns 22 bare attached. Depending on the required spacing of the media channels 1both support columns 22 b can be moved along the support rail 23 b.After determining the required spacing between the two media channels,these can be connected to each other via storage panels 29 b. As can beseen in FIG. 4 the cross-section of the two media channels is conical(tapered), as a result of which the media channels 1 provided withlaboratory media supply and/or removal devices are more easilyaccessible to the user.

FIG. 5 shows a perspective rear view of a media channel 1 in accordancewith the invention with a support structure 50. The media channelcomprises a profile element 100, described in detail in FIG. 6A and 6B,to which modular panel 2 can be attached in a positive and non-positivemanner. The upper side of the profile element 1 is closed off by astorage panel 6.

In addition to the profile element 100, the media channel shown in FIG.5, the media channel shown in FIG. 5 also has a support structure 50 forattaching to walls. Fastening to the wall takes place via the lateralinward projecting fastening flange 54. At the bottom the supportstructure has a base plate 52 rigidly connected to the fastening flanges54. Openings 59 are provided between the profile element 100 and thesupport structure 50. This means that in addition to the interior of theprofile element 100, the internal space defined by the support structure50 is available for the supply and/or removal of laboratory media.

The support structure 50 has vertical braces 58 arranged at a horizontaldistance from one another to which the profile element 100 can beattached. This raster-like design of the support structure 50 allows ahigh level of variability of fastening the profile element 100 to thesupport structure 50. The support structure 50 also has one or moreabutments 56 arranged at a horizontal distance from each other whichserve as a support/rest element for a storage panel (not shown) forclosing off the upper side of the support structure 50.

FIG. 6A shows a perspective front view of the profile element 100 shownin FIG. 5 as well as an enlarged detailed view of the circled area ofthe profile element 100. The front side in FIG. 6A will hereinafter bereferred to as the supply and/or removal side of the profile element100.

The intermediate base 110 running in the longitudinal direction of theprofile element 100 divides the profile into two ducts 102, 104 formedia supply and/or removal. For example, the duct 104 can be used forthin tubes/pipes for generating a vacuum or for electrical and datacables, while duct 102 can be used for water, waste water or gaspipelines. In the intermediate base 100 openings 112 are provided atregular intervals in the longitudinal direction of the profile element100 which connect duct 102 with duct 104. The braces 106 running in thevertical direction in FIG. 6A are for fastening the profile element 100to a wall or to the support structure 50 shown in FIG. 5. On the rearside of the profile element 100 there is a continuous longitudinalflange 108 projecting vertically from the intermediate base 110 whichserves as an abutment for the storage panel 6 shown in FIG. 5. On thesupply and/or removal side of the profile element 100 connectionelements 121 (FIG. 6A) and 125 (FIG. 6B) are provided for fastening thepanels 2. The enlarged views in FIGS. 6A and 6B show the structuraldetails of these connection elements 121, 125.

The connection element 121 is formed by an S-shaped section 122 and anL-shaped section 120. Both sections 122, 120 are pre-tensioned so thaton introducing a component to be clamped, more particularly a flange 3of the panels 2 (FIG. 7) projecting laterally from the panel surface,the two sections 122, 120 are spread apart and brought into clampingcontact with the component to be clamped. The function of the connectionelement 121 resembles that of a spring clip. On the bottom the profileelement 110 has a base 114 which is adjoined by a rail 117 formed by twoundercuts 116, 118 and projecting into the interior of the profileelement. On the wall side the base 113 is connected with the twovertical braces 106. The purpose of use of the rail 117 is describedwith reference to FIGS. 11 to 15.

FIG. 6B shows the profile element shown in FIG. 6, but this time in aperspective view from the rear. The circled area is shown in detail inthe enlarged view and shows the structural design of the connectionelement 125. This connection element, shown in FIG. 6A in the upper partof the profile element 100 and as a lateral boundary on the supplyand/or removal side of the duct 104, is formed by an L-shaped section126 and a section 124 forming an acute angle. As in the case of theconnection element 121 the two sections are pre-tensioned so that theirfunction is also similar to that of a spring clip.

In turn the section 130 acts as an abutment for the storage panel 6shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 8. Section 130 is double-walled in order toincreasing its flexural rigidity which prevents deformation whenapplying the support panel with positive force. Adjoining section 124 isthe intermediate base 110, already described in connection with FIG. 6A,which has openings 112. The intermediate base is in turn connected withthe vertical braces 106.

The profile element 100 shown in FIG. 6A and 6B is designed as foldedmetal component and therefore in one piece. It is therefore suitable formass production. At this point it should be pointed out that the profileelement can also be made of a plastic component which exhibits therequired flexural rigidity.

FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of a panel 2 which on its edge hasflange sections 3, 4 and 5 projecting at a 90° angle. The flangesections 2, 4 are clamping sections for inserting into the connectionelements 121, 125. Flange section 5 serves as protection to prevent thepenetration of fluids and foreign bodies into the closed media channel 1shown in FIG. 1. The panel in FIG. 7 is shown without devices for thesupply and/or removal of media. Function-specific panels 2 are describedbelow with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10.

FIG. 8 show a cross-sectional view of a storage panel 6, which can benon-positively inserted into the sections 108 and 130 shown in FIG. 6Aand 6B. The support panel 6 has two engaging sections 7, 8 which, asshown in FIG. 9, can be non-positively connected to section 108 and 120.The engaging section 8 is L-shaped, while the cross-section of engagingsection 7 is V-shaped.

FIG. 9 shows a cross-sectional view of a media channel comprising aprofile element 100 and a panel 2 a equipped with a water fitting 2 a′.The supply pipeline 2 a″ to the water fitting 2 a′ is initially takenthrough the support structure 60 and transversely to the duct 102 to thewater fitting 2 a′. A storage panel 6 is envisaged on the top of theprofile element 100 and is used as a storage surface for laboratoryequipment when the media channel is used in a media cell. The two ducts102 and 104 can also be clearly seen.

The profile element 100 is fastened to a support structure 50. Theinterior of the support structure 50 can be used in addition to theducts 102, 104 for water supply and removal. Beneath the profile element100 there is a screen 46 which is equipped with a sink 42, the drain 44of which also passes through the interior of the support structure 50.

The upper end of the screen 46 shown is FIG. 9 passes through theslit-like recesses which are shown in FIG. 5 and are provided in thebase 114 (base 6A).

Both the screen 46 and the panel 2 a meet the requirements of protectiveclasses IP 44 and IP 54 in order to prevent the penetration of fluidsand foreign bodies into the media channel and support structure.

FIG. 10 shows a further example of a panel 2 b equipped with a socket 2b′. In order to prevent the penetration of fluid to avoid short-circuitsthe electrical apparatus is accommodated in a sealed casing 2 b′ whichis arranged in duct 102. Duct 104 contains further media cables andpipelines for the supply and/or removal of media which are only shownschematically here. The upper side of the profile element 100 is againclosed by support panel 6.

The panels 2 a, 2 b shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 are only equipped as anexample with a water fitting 2 a′ and an electrical socket 2 b′.Depending on requirements the panels can of course be equipped withcorresponding devices for different laboratory media, such as, forexample, water, waste water, gas, compressed air, electricity, light aswell as connections for the generation of a vacuum and electronic dataprocessing.

FIGS. 11 to 15 show examples of the use of the rail 117 shown in FIG.6A. In FIGS. 11 to 14 the profile element 100 is attached purely as anexample to a raster-like rail 20 c. The profile element 100 can ofcourse be fastened to differently designed support structures. The upperside of the profile element 100 is closed with a storage panel 6. On theside, i.e. on the supply and/or removal side of the profile element 100panels 2 are provided. Beneath the panels 2 and above a worktop 32 ascreen 46 is arranged.

By means of the clamping device shown in FIGS. 15 and 16 variousadditional components can be detachably fastened in the rail 117. InFIG. 11 these additional components involve a pipette holder, in FIG. 12a storage surface 70 in addition to the storage panel 6, in FIG. 13 aso-called drip board 80 for various laboratory vessels, in FIG. 14 amonitor holder 90 for attaching a monitor, for example a flat screen,and in FIG. 15 an intermediate wall for splash protection.

The clamping device 200 is explained in more detail with reference toFIGS. 15 and 16. The clamping device 200 comprises a clamping shoe 206as well as a clamping tab 204 which can be moved relative to theclamping shoe 6 within the rail 117 by means of a star knob 202. Toclamp the clamping shoe in the rail 117 the star knob 202 is turnedclockwise, whereby the clamping tab 204 on the one hand and the adjacentpart of the clamping shoe 6 on the other hand are pressed against theundercut 118, while the threaded section of the star knob comes intocontact with the undercut 116. The clamping shoe 206 can be providedwith an appropriately designed clamping adaptor for mounting the monitorholder 90, the drip board 80, the storage surface 70, the pipette holder60 or other additional components required in laboratory work,

The above-described media channels are not restricted to the illustratedforms. For example media channels, more particularly their profileelements, can be designed so the corresponding panels can be connectedto the profile element in a chequer-board fashion.

The conical linear cross-section in the upper section of the mediachannel provide more room, particularly for electronic equipmentelements, so that these can be accommodated in a hermetically sealedcasing for protection against moisture in order to preventshort-circuits. At the same time the tapered side of the media channelensures that when using the media channel in a media cell the completesurface area of the worktop can be used for carrying out experiments.However, to achieve these two objectives other cross-section shapes areconceivable, for example conical-convex shapes.

Furthermore, the above connection elements are not restricted toresilient clamping devices. A person skilled in the arts knows that toachieve the same effect, i.e. a simply detachable fastening, otherpositive and non-positive connection methods can be used. Examples ofthese are snap-type, swallowtail, possibly also magnetic fastenings.

1. Media channel for a laboratory system, more particularly a mediacell, media column, suspended media boom or media station, for supplyinga laboratory workplace with and/or removing laboratory media comprising:an elongate profile element which along its longitudinal axis defines aduct for laboratory cables and pipelines and has a supply and/or removalside, and at least one panel, which is in the form of a blank panel oris equipped with at least one function-specific fitting for laboratorymedia supply and/or removal, wherein the panel is detachably connectedto the profile element by means of connection elements provided on thesupply and/or removal side of the profile element, and wherein theprofile element and the connection elements are configured in one pieceand in the form of a folded metal component, characterised in that theprofile element defines two longitudinally extending ducts.
 2. Mediachannel in accordance with claim 1, wherein the connection elementsprovide a positive or non-positive connection of the panel to theprofile element.
 3. Media channel in accordance with claim 1, whereinthe connection elements provide a clamping, snap-type or dovetailconnection of the panel to the profile element.
 4. Media channel inaccordance with claim 1, wherein the connection elements are configuredto be resilient.
 5. Media channel in accordance with claim 1, whereinthe connection elements substantially extend over the entire length ofthe profile element.
 6. Media channel in accordance with claim 1,wherein the profile element has an external rail defined by undercuts.7. Media channel in accordance with claim 6, wherein the railsubstantially extends over the entire length of the profile element. 8.(canceled)
 9. Media channel in accordance with claim 1, wherein theprofile element is substantially C-shaped.
 10. Media channel inaccordance with claim 1, wherein the profile element is tapered incross-section.
 11. Media channel in accordance with claim 10, wherein onthe broader side of the profile element seen in cross-section a storagepanel is non-positively attachable.
 12. Media channel in accordance withclaim 1, wherein a plurality of panels are attachable to the profileelement in modular fashion.
 13. Media channel in accordance with claim1, wherein the at least one panel is attachable to the profile elementwithout a gap.
 14. Media channel in accordance with claim 1, wherein theat least one panel is provided with fittings for the supply and/orremoval of water, waste water, gas, compressed air, electricity as wellas connections for generating a vacuum and connections for electronicdataprocessing.
 15. Media channel in accordance with, also comprising asupport structure which permits the profile element to be fastened to awall or ceiling or can equipped on both sides with a profile element .16. Media channel in accordance with claim 15, wherein the supportstructure allows raster-like connection of the profile element to thesupport structure.
 17. Media channel in accordance with claim 15,wherein openings are provided between the profile element and thesupport structure.
 18. Media channel in accordance with claim 1 whichmeets the requirements of protective classes IP 44 and/or IP 54 valid onthe filing date.